Live Review: Katy Steele, Shy Panther, Jacob Diamond

Katy Steele's Perth gig at Mojo's Bar was a night filled with trendy '80s pop and hyperactive energy, making those in the crowd 'retro hip' simply by association. The show had a cheeky tenacity to it, Steele never waiting around or slowing down. Her enthusiasm on stage was infectious. Supported by the acts Jacob Diamond and Shy Panther, it was an interesting night filled great rock and somewhat antiquated soul, bringing a little bit of something for everyone.

Jacob Diamond definitely felt local, mixing a distinctly Perth psychedelic sound with general popular guitar music. This style was the band's backbone, overlaid with heart-filled rock ballads that they pulled off with a professional demeanour. Ultimately, the band was vaguely retro and overtly emotional, pulling on punters' heart strings and upping the ante in the nostalgia department.

Shy Panther added a hint of soul to an otherwise retrospective rock fest, the smooth vocals of lead singer Daniel Fragomeni radiating across the venue. What made Shy Panther stand out was the emotion behind their performance. Many people danced to Shy Panther's set, lapping up the smooth and tasty lyrical rhythms offered up by the band.

Sporting enormous cross earrings and with a giant chain dangling from the back of her denim jacket, Katy Steele remained poised and energetic onstage throughout the set, which was a serious, hip-thrusting workout. Steele revealed that she was almost going to cancel the show because of a sore throat, but there was zero evidence of illness, her vocals powerful and unaffected throughout - top effort. The set highlight was a track with catchy, disco-like offbeat that pushed dancefloor festivities into full delirium. An artist that means business and knows how to deliver, tonight's performance proved that no matter how much time passes, Katy Steele will stay on top.